Common Mistakes to Avoid with Business Loans

Business financing can be exactly what you need to propel your business forward – but it needs to be used correctly Even though money coming may never seem to be a bad idea, there are some situations where opting for a business loan is not the ideal solution. And if it is the right idea, it still needs to be carefully planned and executed. Business loans have added convenience to the lives of many business owners but knowing when and how to use this convenience is a skill that needs to be learned. In this article, we will share with you some of the common mistakes to avoid when considering a business loan.

1. Lack Of Research

Before you take out a loan, it is imperative that you carry out ample research to plan out what you are going to do with it. For example, one type of financing might be a better fit for some loan purposes than others. Consider the differences between a business term loan, a line of credit or a merchant cash advance to determine which type of financing makes the most sense to meet your loan purpose. There are also different companies offering financing, from banks to online lenders and even private money. Your business need, loan purpose, and business financial health will help you determine which of these providers will be able to work with you and what type of interest rate would apply on your loan. Make sure to educate yourself on all the details, fees and rules that come along with taking out a business loan.

2. Taking Out A Loan To Stay Afloat

Most businesses go through ups and downs during their lifetime. Sometimes it means there are some outstanding bills, perhaps unpaid employees, and general cash flow problems. Getting an influx of cash may seem like exactly the right solution, however, a loan could be a short-term Band-Aid relief that is likely to come back with more pain than before. Sometimes, because there are expenses associated with borrowing, a business can borrow itself into more trouble.

Much better is to borrow to increase ROI. It is important to carefully calculate how your business financing will increase revenue and bring a positive return. Remember that you will need to pay the loan back with interest, so if you don’t have a clear plan in mind, then a business loan can cause more harm than good in the long term.

3. Not Reading The Fine Print

As you work through your business loan application, you will at some point need to sign a contract. Make sure you take the time you need to properly go through and understand all the details of this agreement. For example fees, term length, repayment terms, schedules, special clauses, late payment fees, and any special conditions. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of getting approved for a business loan, but don’t let this deter you from understanding your loan contract completely.

If you have questions, ask the loan officer to explain anything you don’t understand. If they can’t or won’t, don’t sign the loan documents until someone can answer your questions.

4. Borrowing Just For The Sake Of It

Some business owners opt for business financing just because they are lured by an advertisement they saw. However, just because you are getting an influx of cash does not mean that you need it. If you rush into a loan decision without having a plan for how to use the financing, you will likely not have a very profitable outcome. You need to account for the interest that needs to be paid back, so a detailed plan of how the loan will be used is critical. For example, building out a patio for a restaurant, installing an ice-cream machine in a convenience store or getting inventory to sell in the coming hot season are all good investments to capitalize on earning opportunities. If you don’t know exactly how the influx of capital will either boost profits or increase the value of your business, it could cost you more than it’s worth.

Bottom Line

Business financing has made it easier for businesses to expand and grow but it cannot be seen as a solution to every finance-related problem. If you decide to take out a business loan, you should make sure that it is for the right reasons, and that you have a solid plan in mind to benefit from the finances.

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Loans Subject to Lender Approval. Depending on the state where your business is located and other attributes of the loan, your business loan may be issued by Celtic Bank, a Utah-Chartered Industrial Bank, Member FDIC. Your loan agreement will identify the loan issuer prior to your signing.